Anurag Gupta, CEO of SVG Media, a digital media company from Dentsu Aegis Network, has passed away. He breathed his last in Delhi on Sunday. A sudden cardiac arrest is said to be the reason for Gupta’s demise.

Gupta had been in the internet space for over 15 years and was handling business for SVG Media which includes mobile performance (under the brand name SeventyNine and SVG Mobile), desktop branding and performance (under the brand name DGM), representations (Airtel DTH and Outbrain) and Columbus India.

Gupta’s sudden demise has left the advertising industry in a shock. Leading names from the industry took to social media with a heavy heart to remember Gupta.

Ashish Bhasin, CEO Greater South, Dentsu Aegis Network and Chairman & CEO India, said in a statement, “It’s an absolute shock and a deep loss. Not only was he the CEO of SVG but was also a Digital Council Member. It is a loss for SVG, for DAN and for the entire Digital fraternity at large. A wonderful colleague. At this hour, my heart, sympathies and condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”

Sohail Qadri Khan, Business Head, SVG Columbus, said, “A good friend, able mentor and a passionate co-worker, Anurag Gupta’s passing away is a big loss to the entire industry, our SVG media family, and especially his own family. May the Lord give strength and patience to his family in these troubled times.”

In a candid chat with exchange4media earlier this year, Gupta had said he was workaholic but loved holidaying at any place that offers photography opportunities -- wildlife, landscapes, and streets. Northern lights at Iceland was his next target.

His friends in the industry loved to follow his photography work. Abhishek Bhardwaj, Chief Marketing Officer at SettleAds Media said, “Really sad news. RIP Anurag Gupta- CEO- SVG Columbus- and one of the best photographers. I will really miss your photographs and blogs.”

Ravi Gupta, Media Director at digital media agency Target G, said, “Anurag Gupta - The Chief!! Will & always... can never process this heartbreaking news. He is over and above friend or family to me. #DGM - SVG that most of us call Gurukul of Indian digital media industry (can count endless people who had worked here) and where I started with my career on a desk right outside the cabin of #Anurag sir.. so much you taught us unknowingly.. memories with you are fresh & alive.. last at Adtech he asked -"what's the Action?" Here is another one. Rest in Peace, Chief”.

Santhosh George Wilson, Head of APAC at MobCo Media, shared a news report announcing the death and said, “shocked and saddened to hear this”.

Nikhil Pahwa, Founder of Medianama, tweeted, “Saddened to hear about the passing away of Anurag Gupta, a friend and someone I've known since I began reporting on the digital space, from his bringing DGM to India, its acquisition by the Smile Group, and then the Dentsu deal.”